LETTER: Disc golf would bring benefits to Spencer County

I wanted to thank the staff at the Spencer Magnet for the front page article about the plans for disc golf as well as the editorial that was written regarding the future of it in Spencer County.
Quite frankly I am disappointed that what started out as a good thing for this county and its residents has been swept aside so easily. Your editorial correctly highlighted all that has been invested into the building of this course, including our precious time, money, and hard work. As a matter of fact, not only have we given these things but have also involved ourselves with Taylorsville Lake Clean Sweep each year showing our interest in the welfare of our local park as well as our care and concern for the surrounding community at large. In all of this we have asked for nothing in return but support to make this dream a reality.
It is unfortunate that after all the effort that has been poured into this there are some that want to dismiss our hopes for the sake of politics. I would like to remind readers that the Taylorsville Lake State Park is funded by Kentucky taxpayers; and while our hard earned tax dollars do help support the park, only fisherman, boaters and horse enthusiasts benefit from them. Disc golf has the potential to expand the use of the state park providing more to offer our state-wide community, and with a push for Spencer County to provide additional affordable recreation for its residents, this is just one of many ways in which it can do so.
I would like to highlight a few reasons why having a local disc golf course would be a benefit to Spencer County. Because disc golfers, like regular golfers or other sports enthusiasts, are willing to travel great distances to play the sport, tourism will increase. And, as you have pointed out, disc golf is also an inexpensive sport to play, providing increased recreation to local residents who otherwise may have no other activities to enjoy. This family-friendly activity also promotes health and fitness, and the ease of the game makes it a sport that people of all ages can enjoy. I could go on but for the sake of your readers I will refrain from listing additional benefits.
What reasons could Spencer County find not to support this endeavor? Up to this point everything required to make this course possible has been donated at no cost, and it has always been our intention to keep it that way. As one of the founding members of the Possum Ridge Disc Golf Club, LLC., and an avid disc golf enthusiast, it is my hope that enough people will respond with their support to enable us to continue in the good work that will bring this added benefit to Spencer County.
Michael Waits
Taylorsville